Sonali Nigam

Genentech engineer and University of California San Diego graduate Sonali Nigam has been selected to receive a UC Alumni “Change the World” Scholarship from UC San Diego Extension to pursue biotechnology management with the goal of one day creating an organization which enables the transfer of biotechnology processes and products to the developing world.

Nigam graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in bioengineering in 2005. She works in the San Francisco Bay Area for Genentech Inc., a leading biotechonology company that develops and manufactures drugs for treating cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis and other diseases.

The UC San Diego Extension Scholarship Committee cited her desire to become a social entrepreneur and volunteer in the field of public health that would help ensure that everyone who needs drugs can have access to them.

Nigam will use her scholarship to pursue an online certificate in biotechnology project management, a joint certificate program offered by UC San Diego Extension and the University of Washington. All of the more than 1 million UC alumni are eligible to apply for merit scholarships of up to $5,500 to enter any continuing education certificate or special study program offered by UC San Diego Extension.

All persons who have received a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree from any UC campus are eligible to apply by completing an online “Change the World” Scholarship form from the extension.ucsd.edu/scholarships website before the next deadline date of Jan. 15, 2011.

What does it mean to change the world? The definition is purposely broad, and can range from cultural enrichment to regional economic development. UC San Diego Extension is looking to reward alumni with the promise and potential to improve the quality of life in San Diego, and beyond. In the application essay, potential recipients can explain how they would help California build a globally competitive talent pool, accelerate economic vitality or foster community-building conversations if they receive this advanced training.

Certificate programs offer a practical, concentrated study in a specific professional area and most can be started any academic quarter. For the convenience of working adults, classes for most of UC San Diego Extension’s certificate programs and specialized study programs are held evenings and weekends on the UC San Diego main campus and three other locations in Sorrento Mesa, Rancho Bernardo and Mission Valley.

UC San Diego Extension offers approximately 100 certificates or special study programs. Some areas of possible study for career changers or those wishing to add new skills to their resume include: Business; Digital Arts; Education; Engineering and Defense Technology; English Language Studies; Foreign Languages; Health Care and Behavioral Sciences; Humanities and Writing; Information Technology and Software Engineering; Law; Leadership and Management Development; Life Sciences; Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health; Photography, Art and Music, and Public Service, Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business.

Certificate programs at UC San Diego Extension have never been more popular. This past year UC San Diego Extension had approximately 56,000 enrollees, which translates to a record 26,000 students in more than 4,900 courses.

Pursuing a continuing education certificate on a part-time basis can be a cost-effective and time-effective way to gain applied knowledge for employment areas in higher demand.  According to a 2009 survey of 487 certificate graduates, 84 percent reported they accomplished the goals they set for themselves by obtaining an UC San Diego Extension certificate. Approximately 62 percent of certificate graduates are under the age of 39. Approximately 85 percent already have a college degree and 10 percent are alumni of UC San Diego.

The “Change the World” scholarships are automatically renewed, provided the recipient continues to pass their coursework and remains active in the certificate program. Scholarships cover tuition only, are non-transferable and carry no cash value.

Scholarships are awarded each academic quarter. Applications must be received by Jan. 15, April 15, July 15 or Oct. 15. Recipients and non-recipients are notified by email by March 15, June 15, Sept. 15 and Dec. 15. Applications will be considered for the upcoming quarter. The UC San Diego Extension Scholarship Committee will review scholarship applications four times a year and reserves the right not to award a scholarship.